View the Director's This Epic Preview the Way It Wasn't Meant to Be Seen.
Christopher Nolan's mythic action epic, The Odyssey, is a film we've been eagerly awaiting since its announcement. It firmly sits as one of the most awaited motion pictures coming next year. In a festive surprise, a trailer has finally arrived, even if it's compromised due to the platform's low-quality encoding—perhaps explaining why Nolan initially kept the preview exclusive to cinemas.
The Initial Look of the Stellar Ensemble
This first look reveals Matt Damon portraying the king of Ithaca. Audiences are introduced to Tom Holland as Telemachus alongside Anne Hathaway depicting the loyal wife. In a poignant moment, the character pleads with Odysseus to promise his safe homecoming, to which he look up and question what happens if he cannot. Furthermore, the preview provides a brief, shadowy glimpse of the mythical one-eyed giant, whose flock Odysseus and his crew steal during their arduous journey.
Adapted from a foundational pillar of Western literature, The Odyssey follows the lengthy quest undertaken by the famed ruler. Following his victory in the Trojan War, as told in Homer's Iliad, Odysseus endures a long and perilous return to his homeland.
Mythical Encounters and a Star-Studded Lineup
On his travels, Odysseus confronts countless challenges and legendary creatures. These include the enchantress Circe, who transforms men into swine, as well as the treacherous Sirens. Regardless of these ordeals, his sworn oath is to do whatever it takes to get back to Penelope and Telemachus in Ithaca.
This film's ensemble boasts an impressive lineup. Joining Damon, Holland, and Hathaway is Charlize Theron portraying the shrewd goddess, alongside Zendaya, Lupita Nyong'o, Robert Pattinson, Elliot Page, and Jon Bernthal.
A Story Repeatedly Told
The classic poem has seen many reinterpretations throughout history. Examples include modern retellings and a late-90s dance production. It has even been a stage musical adaptation titled Epic: The Musical, presented as a nine-album collection.
A full-length preview has been highly anticipated following the project's reveal and a short teaser clip which was initially shown exclusively in theaters. That footage subsequently found its way onto the internet shortly thereafter.
To see a clearer version, the trailer posted on the film's official social channel may provide a better, clearer look.
The Odyssey will debut in IMAX theaters worldwide next summer.
